the first family will help president obama light the giant blue spruce. the ceremony begins at 5:00. >>> for the first time in maryland state history, same-sex couples are receiving marriage licenses. they approved it last month. the licenses will be valid on new year's day. it's the day they will be able to get married in maryland. >>> new today, a republican u.s. senator is leaving his seat. south carolina senator jim demint is resigning to become president of the heritage foundation. the 61-year-old was elected to the senate back in 2004. republican governor, nikki haley will appoint his successor. plunging off the fiscal cliff would mean higher taxes for everyone. today, president obama hopes to highlight the impact of the reality when he visits the home of a northern virginia family this afternoon. at the same time, members of the congress are getting out of town. tracie potts has more on the stalling fiscal cliff talks. >> reporter: lawmakers getting out of washington today while they can. >> eric cantor, house republicans talk about forcing members